Inner Mounting Flame/Birds of Fire/Between Nothingness and Eternity/Apocalypse/Visions of the Emerald Beyond

Recording information: Air Studios, London, England (08/1973-03/1977); Central Park (08/1973-03/1977).
In the heyday of early-'70s jazz-rock fusion, John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra ruled the roost. This CD collects the first five, and most important albums of the group, showcasing their evolution from the quintet that did the first three LPs, and the personnel changes and texture expansions that further cemented McLaughlin's vision. Inner Mounting Flame and Birds of Fire were groundbreaking efforts, while Between Nothingness & Eternity was a flawed live recording in New York City's Central Park as the band was about to split up. Violinist Jean-Luc Ponty replaced Jerry Goodman, the rhythm section was completely revamped, and orchestral settings were added to Apocalypse and Visions of the Emerald Beyond. This is a fine early view of a band that changed the face of modern jazz music, and this collection perfectly showcases the transition they made prior to their final dissolution. ~ Michael G. Nastos